Hyperdrive Innovation, based in Sunderland, is a developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion battery technology for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The company’s High Energy Density Battery project played a significant role in developing the North-east as a global battery hub, enabling the company’s expansion. It was funded through the Advanced Propulsion Centre, a joint Government and auto industry initiative to accelerate the development of low emission technology in the UK.
The project involved a collaboration between Hyperdrive and Nissan, the University of Newcastle, Warwick Manufacturing Group and Zero Carbon Futures, the aim being to develop a new manufacturing process at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, which allows the carmaker to produce 40 kWh battery cells in the UK and for European markets.
For Hyperdrive, the project has opened up new routes to market using Nissan cells in Hyperdrive battery packs for both electric vehicle and stationary energy storage systems. This has included the design of a new universal, modular energy storage system and installation of a pilot line for prototyping and pack assembly at Hyperdrive in Sunderland with a significant investment made in quality standards and developing the supply chain.
The first applications for Hyperdrive’s new high-performance battery packs have included construction machines, municipal vehicles, airport ground fleets and autonomous vehicles. Hyperdrive has secured a commercial agreement with Nissan for incorporating their battery cells into modular and bespoke design systems.
The £19 million ($26 million) project included a £9.7 million ($13.5 million) grant from the APC as part of “APC4: Driving UK Capability and Economic Impact through Low Carbon Propulsion Technologies”.
Image: Stephen Irish, Hyperdrive Managing Director – Commercial
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